Suspected sepsis in people aged 16 or over: recognition, assessment and early management

  • NICE guideline
  • NG253
  • Published: 

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Update information

November 2025: We have split the sepsis guideline, that covered all age groups, into 3 guidelines (including this one). See also NICE's guidelines on suspected sepsis in under 16s: recognition, diagnosis and early management and suspected sepsis in pregnant or recently pregnant people.

In this guideline, we have reviewed the evidence on rapid antigen testing and PCR tests, indicators of organ hypoperfusion, intravenous fluid therapy, vasopressors, and risk factors for sepsis.

Recommendations are marked [2025] if the evidence has been reviewed.

We have also made some changes without an evidence review:

  • the recommendation on assessing people with communication difficulties who might have sepsis has been updated for better inclusivity

  • recommendations on managing suspected sepsis in acute mental health settings have been amended to reflect the facilities and expertise available in these settings.

These recommendations are marked [2016, amended 2025] and [2024, amended 2025].

Recommendations marked [2016] or [2024] last had an evidence review in that year. In some cases, minor changes have been made to the wording to bring the language and style up to date, without changing the meaning.

ISBN: 978-1-4731-7301-9